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Wilson G, Yang L, Su X, Ding S, Li L, Yang Y, Wang X, Wang W, Sa Y, Zhang Y, Chen J, Ma X. Exploring the therapeutic potential of natural compounds modulating the endocannabinoid system in various diseases and disorders: review. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1410-1444. [PMID: 37906390 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00544-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), and the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of the endocannabinoids make up the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The components of the ECS are proven to modulate a vast bulk of various physiological and pathological processes due to their abundance throughout the human body. Such discoveries have attracted the researchers' attention and emerged as a potential therapeutical target for the treatment of various diseases. In the present article, we reviewed the discoveries of natural compounds, herbs, herbs formula, and their therapeutic properties in various diseases and disorders by modulating the ECS. We also summarize the molecular mechanisms through which these compounds elicit their properties by interacting with the ECS based on the existing findings. Our study provides the insight into the use of natural compounds that modulate ECS in various diseases and disorders, which in turn may facilitate future studies exploiting natural lead compounds as novel frameworks for designing more effective and safer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gidion Wilson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Lingling Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xiaojuan Su
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Shuqin Ding
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Liuyan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Youyue Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Weibiao Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yuping Sa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jianyu Chen
- Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1, Huatuo Road, Minhoushangjie, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Xueqin Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
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2
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Blanton H, Reddy PH, Benamar K. Chronic pain in Alzheimer's disease: Endocannabinoid system. Exp Neurol 2023; 360:114287. [PMID: 36455638 PMCID: PMC9789196 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain, one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care, has been linked to restrictions in mobility and daily activities, dependence on opioids, anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, and reduced quality of life. Alzheimer's disease (AD), a devastating neurodegenerative disorder (characterized by a progressive impairment of cognitive functions) in the elderly, is often co-morbid with chronic pain. AD is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders in the aged population. The reported prevalence of chronic pain is 45.8% of the 50 million people with AD. As the population ages, the number of older people who experience AD and chronic pain will also increase. The current treatment options for chronic pain are limited, often ineffective, and have associated side effects. This review summarizes the role of the endocannabinoid system in pain, its potential role in chronic pain in AD, and addresses gaps and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Blanton
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - P Hemachandra Reddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; Internal Medicine Department, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Khalid Benamar
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
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3
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Scipioni L, Ciaramellano F, Carnicelli V, Leuti A, Lizzi AR, De Dominicis N, Oddi S, Maccarrone M. Microglial Endocannabinoid Signalling in AD. Cells 2022; 11:1237. [PMID: 35406803 PMCID: PMC8997504 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been recently identified as a major contributor to disease pathogenesis. Once activated, microglial cells, which are brain-resident immune cells, exert several key actions, including phagocytosis, chemotaxis, and the release of pro- or anti-inflammatory mediators, which could have opposite effects on brain homeostasis, depending on the stage of disease and the particular phenotype of microglial cells. The endocannabinoids (eCBs) are pleiotropic bioactive lipids increasingly recognized for their essential roles in regulating microglial activity both under normal and AD-driven pathological conditions. Here, we review the current literature regarding the involvement of this signalling system in modulating microglial phenotypes and activity in the context of homeostasis and AD-related neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Scipioni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio Snc, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.S.); (V.C.); (A.R.L.); (N.D.D.)
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Francesca Ciaramellano
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (A.L.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Veronica Carnicelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio Snc, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.S.); (V.C.); (A.R.L.); (N.D.D.)
| | - Alessandro Leuti
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (A.L.)
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Lizzi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio Snc, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.S.); (V.C.); (A.R.L.); (N.D.D.)
| | - Noemi De Dominicis
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio Snc, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.S.); (V.C.); (A.R.L.); (N.D.D.)
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Oddi
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (A.L.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio Snc, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy; (L.S.); (V.C.); (A.R.L.); (N.D.D.)
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (A.L.)
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4
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Cortes-Altamirano JL, Yáñes-Pizaña A, Reyes-Long S, Angélica GM, Bandala C, Bonilla-Jaime H, Alfaro-Rodríguez A. Potential Neuroprotective Effect of Cannabinoids in Covid-19 Patients. Curr Top Med Chem 2022; 22:1326-1345. [PMID: 35382723 DOI: 10.2174/1568026622666220405143003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus began in early 2020 and is still present. The respiratory symptoms caused by COVID-19 are well established, however, neurological manifestations that may result from direct or indirect neurological damage after SARS-CoV-2 infection have been reported frequently. The main proposed pathophysiological processes leading to neurological damage in COVID-19 are cerebrovascular disease, and indirect mechanisms of inflammatory / autoimmune origin. A growing number of studies confirm that neuroprotective measures should be maintained in COVID-19 patients. On the other hand, cannabinoids have been the subject of various studies that propose them as potential promising drugs in chronic neurodegenerative diseases due to their powerful neuroprotective potential. In this review we address the possible mechanism of action of cannabinoids as a neuroprotective treatment in patients infected by SARS-CoV-2. The endocannabinoid system is found in multiple systems within the body, including the immune system. Its activation can lead to beneficial results, such as a decrease in viral entry, a decrease in viral replication, and a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α or IFN-c through CB2R expression induced during inflammation by SARS-CoV-2 infection in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Cortes-Altamirano
- Division de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, 14389, Mexico.,Departamento de Quiropráctica, Universidad Estatal del Valle de Ecatepec, Estado de Mexico, 55210, Mexico
| | - Ariadna Yáñes-Pizaña
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud, Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad del Valle de Mexico, Mexico City, 04910, México.,Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia en Pequeñas Especies, Federación Canofila Mexicana, Mexico City, 14430, México
| | - Samuel Reyes-Long
- Division de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, 14389, Mexico.,Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, 07738, México
| | - González-Maciel Angélica
- Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Morphology, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, Insurgentes Sur No. 3700-C, Mexico City, C. P. 04530, Mexico
| | - Cindy Bandala
- Division de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, 14389, Mexico.,Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia en Pequeñas Especies, Federación Canofila Mexicana, Mexico City, 14430, México
| | - Herlinda Bonilla-Jaime
- Departamento de Biología de la reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, 09340, Mexico
| | - Alfonso Alfaro-Rodríguez
- Division de Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, 14389, Mexico
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5
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Magham SV, Thaggikuppe Krishnamurthy P, Shaji N, Mani L, Balasubramanian S. Cannabinoid receptor 2 selective agonists and Alzheimer's disease: An insight into the therapeutic potentials. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:2888-2905. [PMID: 34486749 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoid system has been extensively studied in recent decades, particularly the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, due to their important role in neuroinflammation. Among these, CB2 has gained prominence due to its selective overexpression in glial cells during neuroinflammation. In contrast to CB1 agonists, CB2 agonists have no side effects such as ataxia, hypothermia, euphoria, psychological, or addiction liabilities. CB2 and its selective agonists' above-mentioned unique properties have become a research focus in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The review discusses the neuroprotective role of CB receptors, particularly CB2, in AD, as well as the significance and limitations of this research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Varshini Magham
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, India
| | | | - Neenu Shaji
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, India
| | - Lalithkumar Mani
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, India
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6
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Komorowska-Müller JA, Ravichandran KA, Zimmer A, Schürmann B. Cannabinoid receptor 2 deletion influences social memory and synaptic architecture in the hippocampus. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16828. [PMID: 34413398 PMCID: PMC8376893 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96285-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) is often thought to play a role mainly outside the brain several publications unequivocally showed the presence of CB2R on hippocampal principal neurons. Activation of CB2R produced a long-lasting membrane potential hyperpolarization, altered the input/output function of CA2/3 principal neurons and produced alterations in gamma oscillations. However, other cellular, molecular and behavioral consequences of hippocampal CB2R signaling have not been studied in detail. Here we demonstrate that the deletion of CB2 leads to a highly significant increase in hippocampal synapsin-I expression levels and particle density, as well as increased vesicular GABA transporter (vGAT) levels. This phenotype was restricted to females and not observed in males. Furthermore, we demonstrate an impairment of social memory in CB2 deficient mice. Our results thus demonstrate that the lack of CB2R leads to changes in the hippocampal synaptic landscape and reveals an important sex-specific difference in endocannabinoid signaling. This study supports a significant role of the CB2R in modulation of different types of memory despite its low expression levels in the brain and provides more insight into a sex-specific role of CB2R in synaptic architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Agnieszka Komorowska-Müller
- Institute for Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, Bldg. 76, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kishore Aravind Ravichandran
- Institute for Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, Bldg. 76, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andreas Zimmer
- Institute for Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, Bldg. 76, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Britta Schürmann
- Institute for Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, Bldg. 76, 53127, Bonn, Germany
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7
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Armeli F, Bonucci A, Maggi E, Pinto A, Businaro R. Mediterranean Diet and Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Neglected Role of Nutrition in the Modulation of the Endocannabinoid System. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11060790. [PMID: 34073983 PMCID: PMC8225112 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are a widespread cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, characterized by neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and neuronal depletion. The broad-spectrum neuroprotective activity of the Mediterranean diet is widely documented, but it is not yet known whether its nutritional and caloric balance can induce a modulation of the endocannabinoid system. In recent decades, many studies have shown how endocannabinoid tone enhancement may be a promising new therapeutic strategy to counteract the main hallmarks of neurodegeneration. From a phylogenetic point of view, the human co-evolution between the endocannabinoid system and dietary habits could play a key role in the pro-homeostatic activity of the Mediterranean lifestyle: this adaptive balance among our ancestors has been compromised by the modern Western diet, resulting in a “clinical endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome”. This review aims to evaluate the evidence accumulated in the literature on the neuroprotective, immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties of the Mediterranean diet related to the modulation of the endocannabinoid system, suggesting new prospects for research and clinical interventions against neurodegenerative diseases in light of a nutraceutical paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Armeli
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica, 79, 04100 Latina, Italy; (F.A.); (A.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Alessio Bonucci
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica, 79, 04100 Latina, Italy; (F.A.); (A.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Elisa Maggi
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica, 79, 04100 Latina, Italy; (F.A.); (A.B.); (E.M.)
| | - Alessandro Pinto
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Rita Businaro
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica, 79, 04100 Latina, Italy; (F.A.); (A.B.); (E.M.)
- Correspondence:
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8
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Komorowska-Müller JA, Schmöle AC. CB2 Receptor in Microglia: The Guardian of Self-Control. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E19. [PMID: 33375006 PMCID: PMC7792761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are key to maintaining the homeostasis of the brain. These immune cells of the brain can be our biggest ally in fighting infections, but can worsen pathology or hinder recovery when uncontrolled. Thus, understanding how microglia contribute to neuroinflammatory processes and how their activity can be controlled is of great importance. It is known that activation of endocannabinoid system, and especially the cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R), decreases inflammation. Alongside its non-psychoactive effect, it makes the CB2R receptor a perfect target for treating diseases accompanied by neuroinflammation including neurodegenerative diseases. However, the exact mechanisms by which CB2R regulates microglial activity are not yet understood. Here, we review the current knowledge on the roles of microglial CB2R from in vitro and in vivo studies. We look into CB2R function under physiological and pathological conditions and focus on four different disease models representing chronic and acute inflammation. We highlight open questions and controversies and provide an update on the latest discoveries that were enabled by the development of novel technologies. Also, we discuss the recent findings on the role of microglia CB2R in cognition and its role in neuron-microglia communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Agnieszka Komorowska-Müller
- Institute for Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
- International Max Planck Research School for Brain and Behavior, University of Bonn, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Anne-Caroline Schmöle
- Institute for Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany;
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9
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Scheiner M, Dolles D, Gunesch S, Hoffmann M, Nabissi M, Marinelli O, Naldi M, Bartolini M, Petralla S, Poeta E, Monti B, Falkeis C, Vieth M, Hübner H, Gmeiner P, Maitra R, Maurice T, Decker M. Dual-Acting Cholinesterase-Human Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Ligands Show Pronounced Neuroprotection in Vitro and Overadditive and Disease-Modifying Neuroprotective Effects in Vivo. J Med Chem 2019; 62:9078-9102. [PMID: 31609608 PMCID: PMC7640639 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We have designed and synthesized a series of 14 hybrid molecules out of the cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitor tacrine and a benzimidazole-based human cannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (hCB2R) agonist and investigated them in vitro and in vivo. The compounds are potent ChE inhibitors, and for the most promising hybrids, the mechanism of human acetylcholinesterase (hAChE) inhibition as well as their ability to interfere with AChE-induced aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ), and Aβ self-aggregation was assessed. All hybrids were evaluated for affinity and selectivity for hCB1R and hCB2R. To ensure that the hybrids retained their agonist character, the expression of cAMP-regulated genes was quantified, and potency and efficacy were determined. Additionally, the effects of the hybrids on microglia activation and neuroprotection on HT-22 cells were investigated. The most promising in vitro hybrids showed pronounced neuroprotection in an Alzheimer's mouse model at low dosage (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.), lacking hepatotoxicity even at high dose (3 mg/kg, i.p.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Scheiner
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Dolles
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Gunesch
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Hoffmann
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Massimo Nabissi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Oliviero Marinelli
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Marina Naldi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Bartolini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Sabrina Petralla
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Eleonora Poeta
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Christina Falkeis
- Pathology, Clinical Center Bayreuth, Preuschwitzer Straße 101, 95445 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Michael Vieth
- Pathology, Clinical Center Bayreuth, Preuschwitzer Straße 101, 95445 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Harald Hübner
- Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schuhstraße 19, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter Gmeiner
- Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schuhstraße 19, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rangan Maitra
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Tangui Maurice
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EPHE, UMR-S1198, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | - Michael Decker
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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10
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Franco R, Reyes-Resina I, Aguinaga D, Lillo A, Jiménez J, Raïch I, Borroto-Escuela DO, Ferreiro-Vera C, Canela EI, Sánchez de Medina V, Del Ser-Badia A, Fuxe K, Saura CA, Navarro G. Potentiation of cannabinoid signaling in microglia by adenosine A 2A receptor antagonists. Glia 2019; 67:2410-2423. [PMID: 31429130 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neuroprotective M2-skewed microglia appear as promising to alter the course of neurodegenerative diseases and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are potential targets to achieve such microglial polarization. A common feature of adenosine A2A (A2A R) and cannabinoid CB2 (CB2 R) GPCRs in microglia is that their expression is upregulated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). On the one hand, CB2 R seems a target for neuroprotection, delaying neurodegenerative processes like those associated to AD or Parkinson's diseases. A2A R antagonists reduce amyloid burden and improve cognitive performance and memory in AD animal models. We here show a close interrelationship between these two receptors in microglia; they are able to physically interact and affect the signaling of each other, likely due to conformational changes within the A2A -CB2 receptor heteromer (A2A -CB2 Het). Particularly relevant is the upregulation of A2A -CB2 Het expression in samples from the APPSw ,Ind AD transgenic mice model. The most relevant finding, confirmed in both heterologous cells and in primary cultures of microglia, was that blockade of A2A receptors results in increased CB2 R-mediated signaling. This heteromer-specific feature suggests that A2A R antagonists would potentiate, via microglia, the neuroprotective action of endocannabinoids with implications for AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Franco
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Reyes-Resina
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Aguinaga
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Lillo
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jasmina Jiménez
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Iu Raïch
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Enric I Canela
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Anna Del Ser-Badia
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kjell Fuxe
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carlos A Saura
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Involvement of cannabinoid receptor type 2 in light-induced degeneration of cells from mouse retinal cell line in vitro and mouse photoreceptors in vivo. Exp Eye Res 2018; 167:44-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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12
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Hillger JM, le Roy B, Wang Z, Mulder-Krieger T, Boomsma DI, Slagboom PE, Danen EH, IJzerman AP, Heitman LH. Phenotypic screening of cannabinoid receptor 2 ligands shows different sensitivity to genotype. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 130:60-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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13
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Maccarrone M, Maldonado R, Casas M, Henze T, Centonze D. Cannabinoids therapeutic use: what is our current understanding following the introduction of THC, THC:CBD oromucosal spray and others? Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2017; 10:443-455. [PMID: 28276775 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2017.1292849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The complexity of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system is becoming better understood and new drivers of eCB signaling are emerging. Modulation of the activities of the eCB system can be therapeutic in a number of diseases. Research into the eCB system has been paralleled by the development of agents that interact with cannabinoid receptors. In this regard it should be remembered that herbal cannabis contains a myriad of active ingredients, and the individual cannabinoids have quite distinct biological activities requiring independent studies. Areas covered: This article reviews the most important current data involving the eCB system in relation to human diseases, to reflect the present (based mainly on the most used prescription cannabinoid medicine, THC/CBD oromucosal spray) and potential future uses of cannabinoid-based therapy. Expert commentary: From the different therapeutic possibilities, THC/CBD oromucosal spray has been in clinical use for approximately five years in numerous countries world-wide for the management of multiple sclerosis (MS)-related moderate to severe resistant spasticity. Clinical trials have confirmed its efficacy and tolerability. Other diseases in which different cannabinoids are currently being investigated include various pain states, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and epilepsy. The continued characterization of individual cannabinoids in different diseases remains important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Maccarrone
- a Department of Medicine , Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome , Rome , Italy.,b Laboratory of Lipid Neurochemistry, European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation , Rome , Italy
| | - Rafael Maldonado
- c Laboratori de Neurofarmacologia, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut (CEXS), Facultat de Ciències de la Salut i de la Vida , Universitat Pompeu Fabra , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Miguel Casas
- d Servicio de Psiquiatría , Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron , Barcelona , Spain.,e Departamento de Psiquiatría y Medicina Legal , Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.,f CIBERSAM , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Thomas Henze
- g Passauer Wolf Reha-Zentrum Nittenau , Nittenau , Germany
| | - Diego Centonze
- h Multiple Sclerosis Clinical and Research Center, Tor Vergata University, Rome & Unit of Neurology , IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed , Pozzilli , Italy
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14
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Aso E, Ferrer I. CB2 Cannabinoid Receptor As Potential Target against Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:243. [PMID: 27303261 PMCID: PMC4885828 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The CB2 receptor is one of the components of the endogenous cannabinoid system, a complex network of signaling molecules and receptors involved in the homeostatic control of several physiological functions. Accumulated evidence suggests a role for CB2 receptors in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and indicates their potential as a therapeutic target against this neurodegenerative disease. Levels of CB2 receptors are significantly increased in post-mortem AD brains, mainly in microglia surrounding senile plaques, and their expression levels correlate with the amounts of Aβ42 and β-amyloid plaque deposition. Moreover, several studies on animal models of AD have demonstrated that specific CB2 receptor agonists, which are devoid of psychoactive effects, reduce AD-like pathology, resulting in attenuation of the inflammation associated with the disease but also modulating Aβ and tau aberrant processing, among other effects. CB2 receptor activation also improves cognitive impairment in animal models of AD. This review discusses available data regarding the role of CB2 receptors in AD and the potential usefulness of specific agonists of these receptors against AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Aso
- Institut de Neuropatologia, Servei d'Anatomia Patològica, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL)-Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Universitat de BarcelonaL'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- CIBERNED - Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Carlos IIIMadrid, Spain
| | - Isidro Ferrer
- Institut de Neuropatologia, Servei d'Anatomia Patològica, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL)-Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Universitat de BarcelonaL'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- CIBERNED - Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Carlos IIIMadrid, Spain
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15
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Savonenko AV, Melnikova T, Wang Y, Ravert H, Gao Y, Koppel J, Lee D, Pletnikova O, Cho E, Sayyida N, Hiatt A, Troncoso J, Davies P, Dannals RF, Pomper MG, Horti AG. Cannabinoid CB2 Receptors in a Mouse Model of Aβ Amyloidosis: Immunohistochemical Analysis and Suitability as a PET Biomarker of Neuroinflammation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129618. [PMID: 26086915 PMCID: PMC4472959 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the early responses to Aβ amyloidosis is recruitment of microglia to areas of new plaque. Microglial receptors such as cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) might be a suitable target for development of PET radiotracers that could serve as imaging biomarkers of Aβ-induced neuroinflammation. Mouse models of amyloidosis (J20APPswe/ind and APPswe/PS1ΔE9) were used to investigate the cellular distribution of CB2 receptors. Specificity of CB2 antibody (H60) was confirmed using J20APPswe/ind mice lacking CB2 receptors. APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mice were used in small animal PET with a CB2-targeting radiotracer, [11C]A836339. These studies revealed increased binding of [11C]A836339 in amyloid-bearing mice. Specificity of the PET signal was confirmed in a blockade study with a specific CB2 antagonist, AM630. Confocal microscopy revealed that CB2-receptor immunoreactivity was associated with astroglial (GFAP) and, predominantly, microglial (CD68) markers. CB2 receptors were observed, in particular, in microglial processes forming engulfment synapses with Aβ plaques. In contrast to glial cells, neuron (NeuN)-derived CB2 signal was equal between amyloid-bearing and control mice. The pattern of neuronal CB2 staining in amyloid-bearing mice was similar to that in human cases of AD. The data collected in this study indicate that Aβ amyloidosis without concomitant tau pathology is sufficient to activate CB2 receptors that are suitable as an imaging biomarker of neuroinflammation. The main source of enhanced CB2 PET binding in amyloid-bearing mice is increased CB2 immunoreactivity in activated microglia. The presence of CB2 immunoreactivity in neurons does not likely contribute to the enhanced CB2 PET signal in amyloid-bearing mice due to a lack of significant neuronal loss in this model. However, significant loss of neurons as seen at late stages of AD might decrease the CB2 PET signal due to loss of neuronally-derived CB2. Thus this study in mouse models of AD indicates that a CB2-specific radiotracer can be used as a biomarker of neuroinflammation in the early preclinical stages of AD, when no significant neuronal loss has yet developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena V. Savonenko
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Departments of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AGH); (AS)
| | - Tatiana Melnikova
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Yuchuan Wang
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Hayden Ravert
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Yongjun Gao
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Jeremy Koppel
- Litwin-Zucker Research Center, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, North-Shore Long Island Jewish Health System, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Deidre Lee
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Olga Pletnikova
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Eugenia Cho
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Nuzhat Sayyida
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Andrew Hiatt
- MAPP Biopharmaceutical Inc, San-Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Juan Troncoso
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Departments of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Peter Davies
- Litwin-Zucker Research Center, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, North-Shore Long Island Jewish Health System, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Robert F. Dannals
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Martin G. Pomper
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Andrew G. Horti
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AGH); (AS)
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Nimczick M, Decker M. New Approaches in the Design and Development of Cannabinoid Receptor Ligands: Multifunctional and Bivalent Compounds. ChemMedChem 2015; 10:773-86. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Cannabinoid receptor 2 deficiency results in reduced neuroinflammation in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Neurobiol Aging 2015; 36:710-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Abstract
The physiological and pathophysiological functions of the endocannabinoid system have been studied extensively using transgenic and targeted knockout mouse models. The first gene deletions of the cannabinoid CB(1) receptor were described in the late 1990s, soon followed by CB(2) and FAAH mutations in early 2000. These mouse models helped to elucidate the fundamental role of endocannabinoids as retrograde transmitters in the CNS and in the discovery of many unexpected endocannabinoid functions, for example, in the skin, bone and liver. We now have knockout mouse models for almost every receptor and enzyme of the endocannabinoid system. Conditional mutant mice were mostly developed for the CB(1) receptor, which is widely expressed on many different neurons, astrocytes and microglia, as well as on many cells outside the CNS. These mouse strains include "floxed" CB(1) alleles and mice with a conditional re-expression of CB(1). The availability of these mice made it possible to decipher the function of CB(1) in specific neuronal circuits and cell populations or to discriminate between central and peripheral effects. Many of the genetic mouse models were also used in combination with viral expression systems. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing genetic models and to summarize some of the most important discoveries that were made with these animals.
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MESH Headings
- Amidohydrolases/genetics
- Amidohydrolases/metabolism
- Animals
- Endocannabinoids/genetics
- Endocannabinoids/metabolism
- Gene Deletion
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Genotype
- Humans
- Hydrolysis
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Mutant Strains
- Monoacylglycerol Lipases/genetics
- Monoacylglycerol Lipases/metabolism
- Mutation
- Phenotype
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1/metabolism
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/genetics
- Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Zimmer
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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